Australia’s Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs, Tim Watts, is back in India this week, blending cultural homage with policy ambition as he moves across Mumbai and Delhi. His visit traces both the history of Australia-India ties and a new chapter in growing collaboration, from lunch delivery systems to landmark infrastructure deals.
Watts’ first stop was the Film Heritage Foundation in Mumbai, where he noted the long creative connection between the two countries. “The NFSA and Film Heritage Foundation are working together on training and film conservation,” he said, calling it an extension of a link that stretches back nearly a century.
He reminded audiences of Perth-born stuntwoman Mary Ann Evans, known in Indian cinema as ‘Fearless Nadia’, who became a box-office star in the 1930s after being cast by director JBH Wadia in Hunterwali. “Collaboration through initiatives like the Australia-India Audiovisual Co-production Agreement strengthens the cultural and economic links between our countries,” Watts said, thanking Foundation founders Teesha Cherian and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur for the tour.
That cultural conversation continued at a gathering with Indian industry leaders, where Watts touched on Australia’s Maitri grants and the popularity of events like the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. “I joined cultural leaders in Mumbai to discuss how we can foster collaboration, build on programs like our Maitri grants and harness the impact of hugely popular events like IFFM,” he said.
India’s diaspora in Australia, now close to one million, was front and centre in these discussions. “This includes drawing on the strength of our Indian diaspora in Australia… to deepen our cultural exchange,” he added.
While in Mumbai, Watts participated in the Australia India Youth Dialogue (AIYD), an initiative he personally knows well. “As an alum myself, I know the importance of AIYD as a launching pad for young people to strengthen the Australia-India relationship, deepening our cultural understanding of one another,” he said. The 2025 edition of AIYD is being held in both Mumbai and Delhi, and features several Australian parliamentarians, including Senator Varun Ghosh.
Watts and his team also made a point to visit Mumbai’s famed dabbawalas, the lunch delivery workers whose tiffin-carrying system has drawn global attention for its efficiency and local know-how. “We had to venture out to see the dabbawalas,” he posted.
Amid the more ceremonial aspects of his visit, Watts met with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the Mantralaya. According to the Deputy CM’s office, the meeting focused on “strengthening commercial ties between Australia and Maharashtra in key sectors, including agriculture, medical technology, and education”.
Also present were Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, Additional Chief Secretary Asim Gupta, and Principal Secretary Navin Sona. Shinde used the occasion to showcase the state’s development projects, including the Metro Rail, Coastal Road, and Atal Setu, and laid out his vision for Navi Mumbai’s “Medisity” and “Educity” precincts.
Hospitality was not spared. “Deputy CM Shinde insisted that the Australian guests try Mumbai’s iconic street food, vada pav,” the statement noted, with Watts and Consul General Paul Murphy reportedly enjoying the snack.
There was a personal note too. Watts recalled attending a cricket match in Mumbai nearly 20 years ago, adding a nostalgic twist to a diplomatic exchange focused largely on the future.
Watts’ current visit draws attention to the evolving India–Australia partnership, both historic and contemporary. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, ties between the two countries go back to the 18th century, with all trade to and from New South Wales initially controlled via Kolkata by the British East India Company. The relationship formalised in 1941 with the opening of the India Trade Office in Sydney. Watts’ India trip continues in Delhi, where further meetings are expected.
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